Vigan, Then & Now.
Vigan is the finest place in the Philippines where time has stood still as it brings you back to the Spanish era with its every exquisite architecture. History and culture lie beneath each of those brick cream and gray walls that have been carefully preserved and maintained. It has been the living proof of Spanish colonialism which has withstood wars and climatic occurrences since 16th century. It was home for chivalrous heroes of the Philippine history. Diego and Gabriela Silang were probably the most notable among them.
Facing the South China Sea, Vigan was an island which was formerly separated from the mainland. Three rivers surround the island: the Abra River, the Govantes River, and the Mestizo River. It is named after the giant taro trees called "Bigaa" which are common along the riverbanks of the Mestizo River. The Spanish conquistador Juan De Salcedo was the one who named the place. It is a nine-hour bus ride north of Manila. The trip may be a little tiring but
witnessing the serenity of the roads to Vigan and the city itself will definitely ease the boredom brought by the stretch. There a lot of things to see in its ever corner that will make all cameras stand by for a number of pictures to be taken. The fifth class city does not only boasts its sturdy historical edifices and houses but also its amusing feasts and celebrations, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, exotic delicacies, and remarkable attractions. It is home to the Philippine's best-tasting longganisa, bagnet, and empanada that will surely leave you wanting for more.
Local and foreign experts describe Vigan as a "place like no other". Its uniqueness lies in its historic townscape which is an architectural blend of Asian, European and Latin American influences. Being the only surviving colonial town in the country, Vigan has more strung along the narrow streets of the old Mestizo District, popularly known in the olden days as Kasanglayan (Chinese Quarters).
Located in the Northern part of the Philippines, Vigan is 408 kilometers northwest of Manila and includes area of the China Sea as a buffer zone on the western side of the town.
Vigan, earlier known as" Ciudad Fernandina" from 1758 to late 19th century, is the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the country. It has auspiciously escaped the bombs of World War II unlike its sister cities, Manila and Cebu. How and why it has survived the wrath of war is a fascinating story on its own.
Vigan brings images of antiquated houses, cobbled narrow streets, calesas and friendly faces peering out of large windows; a place where "time stood still". Yet, despite all the romantic images this place provokes, much is still unfamiliar about Vigan.
The name came from the Ilocano word "kabiga-an" pertaining to the plant "biga" abounds. Biga is a tuberous plant (alocadia indica) that once grew along the banks of its rivers.
Vigan was once a thriving center for trade and commerce among the people of Ilocandia and the Cordilleras. It is situated at the delta of the Abra River (now the Mestizo and Govantes Rivers) going to the South China Sea. This position at the mouth of the river most probably afooded its existence as it was a fluvial harbor connected to the China Sea, making trade possible with other islands and with China.
Today, Vigan was recently included in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List on December 1999 and converted into a component city last January 21, 2001. In partnership with the government of Spain, the Vigan Master Plan is in the process for the revitalization of the historic Vigan.
References:
https://www.scribd.com/document/355157829/Vigan-City
<https://filmphilippines.com/locations/vigan-ilocos-sur>
<https://travelphotodiscovery.com/must-see-vigan-tourist-spots-ilocos-sur/>
<https://bluedreamer27.com/exploring-ilocos-vigan-by-night-the-dancing-fountain-of-plaza-salcedo-and-calle-crisologo/>
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